Rich Rodriguez running short on time?

Rich Rodriguez strongly believes his program is growing and progress is occurring. He said again Saturday he has no fears of losing his job, and athletic director Bill Martin stood firmly behind him, saying Rodriguez “will be here next year — no ifs, ands, or buts about it.” Still, no matter how difficult the transition, the record is inexcusable. And there can be no doubt now, Rodriguez doesn’t get a ton of time to show more. Rodriguez is aware of factions, inside and outside the program, working against him. Massive change, especially when executed by a confident young “outsider,” stirs controversy. – Detroit News

Michigan AD Bill Martin Supports Rich Rodriguez

Michigan Athletic Director Bill Martin on Wednesday asked for patience from his fans and reiterated his full support for coach Rich Rodriguez. “Of course we’re all concerned, but the message is simple: to have patience,” Martin said. “Those who stay will be champions. That’s what Bo [Schembechler] always said. I am all in for Rich Rodriguez. He will get the job done for us. He has assembled an excellent staff. He has got my full support.” Michigan is 5-5, 1-5 in the Big Ten in Rodriguez’s second season. The Wolverines have lost five of six games and must win at Wisconsin or against Ohio State to avoid missing a bowl game for a second consecutive season. – ESPN

Michigan Athletic Director Bill Martin accused of pushing, grabbing student employees

Retiring Michigan Athletic Director Bill Martin admitted today he mishandled a situation with an employee who alleged Martin grabbed him at Michigan Stadium after the Delaware State game this fall. Another security employee also reported to police that Martin pushed her after the Notre Dame game a month earlier, but Martin said in a letter he didn’t recall that incident. The latest incident occurred just three days before Martin abruptly announced his retirement on Oct. 21. That same day, a police investigator alerted Martin of the police investigation, a police report said. – AnnArbor.com

Michigan AD Bill Martin supports Rich Rodriguez

The man who hired Rich Rodriguez as Michigan’s football coach said Rodriguez’s job is secure. Rodriguez, in his second season with the Wolverines, has watched his team nosedive since a 4-0 start. They have lost five straight Big Ten games, are 5-5 and remain one game from bowl eligibility with games at Wisconsin and home with Ohio State left. Michigan athletic director Bill Martin, who announced last month he will officially retire from that job on Sept 4, 2010, vociferously defended Rodriguez during an interview Monday. “He’s not going anyplace,” Martin said of Rodriguez, who replaced Lloyd Carr, who retired after the 2007 season following 13 years as head coach. “Rich is an outstanding coach. There is no question he’s got my total support. I think the world of that guy. Is he perfect in every respect? Nobody is. But he works hard. He’ll get it right.” – Detroit News

Michigan AD in Hot Water Over Loans to Rich Rodriguez, Others

Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez and seven of his assistants have received $3.3 million in mortgages and lines of credit from the bank founded by U-M athletic director Bill Martin, records show. Basketball coach John Beilein received his mortgage at Bank of Ann Arbor too, as did another basketball assistant; men’s swimming coach Mike Bottom has a line of credit there. All told, the 11 coaches have secured more than $4 million in loans from the bank where Martin is a shareholder and chairman of the board. The disclosures raise questions about whether Martin can be objective about the coaches’ performance at U-M when their dismissal could affect their ability to repay the bank. – Detroit News